Studio - Ocher Kalagya

Approach and Philosophy

Welcome to Ocher-Kalagya, an architectural firm founded by two college mates in 2020, who share a passion for designing buildings that not only serve a purpose, but also contribute to the aesthetic and cultural fabric of the communities they serve. In the span of 2.5 years; with offices in Bastar and Nagpur, our firm has worked on a diverse range of projects, including Designing institutes of various sizes, lakefront development, Resorts, public parks, Commercial stores & showrooms; different Museums, Memorial & Interpretation Centers.

At Ocher-Kalagya, we believe that architecture has the power to shape the world we live in. As we majority work with Government bodies in city level public spaces; our approach of the projects is quite sensitive which focus on creating meaningful and sustainable architecture that promotes local culture and utilizes local materials and craftsmanship & blends with the working style of government. . Our design philosophy is centered around the principles of practicality, user-centric, and aesthetics, with a keen eye towards modern design that contributes to the city’s aesthetics.

Our projects are characterized by a sensitivity to the unique context of each site and a commitment to creating architecture that enhances the surrounding environment. Whether we’re designing public spaces for a lakefront development, creating sustainable rural architecture, or designing a memorial that reflects the purpose of the site, we strive to create spaces that inspire, engage, and uplift the people who use them.

The two partners Ar. Nisha Bothra & Ar. Simran Sharma, who shares a passion for architecture and a deep appreciation for art, craft, and culture. Both graduated from the same school of architecture in Nagpur and have an inclination towards vernacular-contemporary architecture style. Together, Nisha & Simran bring a unique blend of modern and traditional design elements to each project, creating spaces that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Their partnership allows them to offer a wide range of design possibilities to their clients, ensuring that each project is truly unique.

We invite you to explore our portfolio and learn more about the projects we’ve worked on.

Principal Architects

Ar. Nisha Bothra

Ar. Nisha Bothra

Principal Architect

Graduating with a degree in architecture (2017) from Nagpur, along with living, travel & work experiences in Udaipur, Rajasthan, and Ahmedabad in Gujarat before conceiving her practice in Jagdalpur. Her graduate thesis titled ‘Epitome of Bastar’ was the first attempt to scratch below the surface of the region – she calls ‘home’ land; unravelling the long traditions of arts, crafts & culture that became the motivation of the various initiatives undertaken by her brainchild – ‘Ocher’. A tribute to the roots, Ocher works with local artisans, experimenting with regional art forms alongside professional architects & designers. The engagement is not just limited to act as a bridge & facilitators to the mostly tribal artisans but also to empower them by wider outreach of their inter-generational know-how and it’s application on experimental design forms, exposing them & Bastar to a global audience, keeping their craft alive for years to come.

Ar. Simran Sharma

Ar. Simran Sharma

Principal Architect

Graduating with a degree in architecture (2017) from Nagpur, along with work experience in Base4 International, and firms in Nagpur, Raipur & Pune; she conceived her practice, ‘Kalagya’; a Sanskrit word for a person skilled in the arts, and a dedication to her family & ancestors who were artisans in marble & stone Her graduate thesis venturing into organic farming, she routinely explores her personal interests in her professional work. Along with her forte in technology applications & BIM, she has been evolving experiments in hands-on forms of natural print dyeing & cyanotype, but does not intend to stick to limited mediums of art & craft expressions.

Team Members

Ar. Saket Sahare

Ar. Saket Sahare

Junior Architect

Graduating with a degree in architecture (2020) from Nagpur, he has previously worked in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The settlement clusters in self-help groups of Bastar artisans formed his primary motivation for his graduate thesis where the project sought to devise an interactive building program between the artisans and visitors. He finds a scope of rethinking practice and language of architecture, given the pristine nature of landscapes, crafts and material processes at places in Bastar, that are untouched by limiting definitions of urbanity. Besides work, he finds himself hoarding books and stationery.

Ar. Priyanshi Sheel

Ar. Priyanshi Sheel

Junior Architect

Graduating with a degree in architecture (2020) from Surat in Gujarat, she was born and brought up in Jagdalpur and has previously worked in Pune, Maharashtra. Her graduate thesis was a revitalization strategy for the Blue Cross Veterinary Hospital in Pune, by provision of a pet park for animal enthusiasts – acting as a revenue model for the partly defunct and inactive Hospital and to further enhance the capacities of vaccination and sterilization of stray animals. Besides her professional work, she plays guitar in her spare time, music being her fond interests.

Ar. Shashank Madaria

Ar. Shashank Madaria

Junior Architect

Originally from Bhilai, he is currently a studying architecture from Nagpur. He has previously worked as an intern in Bhilai and Mumbai, also assisting in Khaki Tours. Vernacular architecture and working with local materials and people drew him to Bastar, along with the region’s naturally gifted waterfalls, landscapes, festivities and culture. His interests extend to motion graphics, and graphic design and he loves gardening.

Ar. Swati Kanwal

Ar. Swati Kanwal

Senior Architect

Graduating with a degree in architecture (2016) from D.C.R.U.S.T; Murthal, along with professional work experience in architecture & landscape design in Haryana, Delhi, and Ahmedabad, she has worked to grow her organic farm. A spiritual seeker, hatha yoga practitioner, and enthusiastic about, art dance and fitness, she is exploring her ways towards creating healthier and happier world.